In 2017, an international and collective reflection was organized at Freixo do Meio under the theme “New Montado,” resulting in a clear strategy for the future development of a more dignified relationship with the natural system for all involved. This path was named the New Montado. It fundamentally involves structuring the relationship with the land around a central concept—the stratified forest of dynamic succession.

Examples of the measures that have been implemented include:

More efficient use of rainwater through small retention basins and widespread use of drip irrigation.
Diversification of crops and planting of perennial, fruit-bearing, and leguminous trees in dynamic agroforestry systems of succession to create diversity, food abundance, and various microclimates.
Organic fertilization of crops using beneficial microorganisms.
Use of renewable energies, particularly solar power.
Continuous work to increase soil organic matter to improve water retention.
Implementation of ecosystem restoration techniques based on Permaculture and Agroecology concepts, including the Keyline system (supported scientifically by projects like Ecomontado XXI).

Current projects include:

PRIMA Wildfood – Eating the Wild: Improving the Value Chain of Mediterranean Wild Food Products
H2020 RADIANT – Realizing Dynamic Value Chains for Underutilised Crops

Projects in which we have previously participated:

LIFE Montado-adapt – Montado and Climate: A Need to Adapt
SISTEMAS AGROFLORESTAIS – Intelligent Alternative for Combating Climate Change on the Island of Santo Antão
PDR2020 ECOMONTADO XXI – Agroecology Applied to the Design of the New Montado
HORIZON2020 TRUE – Transition Paths to Sustainable Legume-Based Systems in Europe
PDR2020 GEOSUBER – Monitoring the Montado
LIFE FOOD & BIODIVERSITY – Biodiversity in Standards and Labels for the Food Industry.

Our mission is to build a community around Herdade Freixo do Meio that is democratic, inclusive, transparent, autonomous, and resilient, that achieves a constantly improving relationship with natural resources, and that encourages personal development.

Designed with ❤ in 2024

The Montado do Freixo do Meio has been a hub of innovation and sustainable practices, charting a new course in its relationship with the ecosystem. Among the ongoing and completed projects, its commitment to innovation and sustainability stands out.

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